Forged In Shadow Torch, an “animal” game

The dystopian, anthropomorphic world of FIST: Forged In Shadow Torch is a piece of playable art that you can’t miss.

These days we have had the opportunity to enjoy some of those titles that seemed not to reach the Xbox, but finally they did. FIST was released on September 7, 2021 under the title exclusive from PlayStation and without making a lot of noise got good marks. After the exclusivity period expired, Microsoft wanted to reward Xbox gamers’ wait by bringing the game directly to game pass.

The game is developed by TiGames, a Chinese study, which we will of course not lose sight of. This is his second console adventure, the first being a VR title called, ancient amulet, It doesn’t look bad, but it hasn’t been revealed considering the limitation of the VR market.

What to expect from FIST

FIST is a metroidvania, that is to say an action and adventure game based on the exploration of a non-linear map. We will unlock new areas and abilities there as we progress. The game has a progression system that allows us to improve the statistics and abilities of Rayton, our protagonist, as well as customize his appearance with different outfits and accessories. The game also has a system of main and secondary missions that give us rewards and tell us more about the gaming world.

Futuristic and dystopian background

FIST: Forged in the Shadow Torch is a game set in a dystopian world where anthropomorphic animals have been subjugated by the Machine Legion. This is an invading force seeking total control of resources and lives. The game tells us the story of Rayton, an off-peak bunny who was once one of the leaders of the resistance, but found himself isolated after the fall of the city of Torch. However, when your bear friend is imprisoned by the Legion Rayton decides to return to combat. To do this, he recovers his old weapon, the mechanical fist called FISTa name that will already be familiar to you.

Special and family art design

The game is inspired by the genre cyberpunk and the japanese cartoon, but with its own style and a very careful aesthetic. FIST has an impressive visual aspect, with 3D graphics that recreate a 2D world full of details and contrasts. The game uses a technique called “2D discectivewhich consists of dividing the scene into layers that move at different speeds, creating an effect of depth and dynamism. The title has very realistic lighting and shadows, which create a rather enveloping atmosphere. Sometimes I felt like I was traveling Midgarthe mythical city of Final Fantasy VII.

Dark and colorful setting

The game’s settings are varied and detailed, with a dark, decadent setting that contrasts with bright colors and neon lights. The game takes us through different areas of the city of Torch, such as the sewers, the industrial district, the black market or the nerve center of the Legion. Each neighborhood has its own identity and its own music, which accompanies the stock and the atmosphere of the game. The title also offers cinematographic scenes that tell the story and the dialogues between the characters serving as a stage for the next chapter of the adventure.

The design of characters This is another of the strengths of the game, since they are anthropomorphic animals with human and well-differentiated personalities and traits. Rayton for example it is a white rabbit, bear our fatigue companion a huge and good-natured bear, Anna a super agile cat or Diesel the Legion’s leading bulldog.

deal blows

Rayton has his weapon, the fist mechanic FISTit is a relic of war that can change shape and size depending on how it is used. FIST It will be our weapon of combat. Here we find one of the strong points of the game, since the fist offers a wide variety of movements and combinations . He can transform into three different objects: a fist, a drill or a claw. Each mode has its advantages and disadvantages, and they can be changed quickly during combat. He fist This is the strongest and slowest mode, ideal for breaking through defenses and dealing massive damage. Drill is the fastest and most accurate mode, perfect for ranged attacks and armor piercing. The claw is the most versatile and balanced, useful for grabbing objects and enemies and throwing them in the air.

gameplay

FIST is the essence of a metroidvania, but all this depth of combat only enriches the gameplay of the title. Sometimes we’ll think we’re in a polite fight of a purely hack and slash. The game also includes stealth areas where one will feel solid snake avoiding detector lasers as well as final bosses that challenge the player and require strategy and skill to defeat. The bosses are gigantic enemies with various attack patterns and different phases, which however do not have a very high difficulty.

Player must use correct mechanical fist mode FIST and dodge the boss’ attacks to find his weak point and kill him. Some bosses are quite simple in movement, but others will be quite tough, like the Golem de Hierro, a huge machine in the shape of a bull; the Fire Dragon, a winged beast that spits flames; or the General Diesel, the leader of the Legion and the main antagonist of the game.

The game lasts approx. 15 hours, but it can be extended if you want to complete it 100%. We have a hard mode for the most demanding players and those who want time.

to keep progressing

some aspects negatives as such, but we must highlight some that we found relevant. For example, at graphic level You can tell it’s not a next-gen title. We are facing a game of the last generation. Too bad we don’t have a native version of the Xbox Series, because the visual spectacle would already be sublime. On the other hand, the story lacks a bit of originality and does not take advantage of the full potential of the universe of FIST develop the different plots offered. Another thing to improve, perhaps, would be the linear aspect of progress. Although the game has huge amounts of backtracking that will force us to travel the map 100 times in several directions.

CONCLUSION

FIST: Forged in Shadow Torch is a title that all fans of the metroidvania genre should play. The game offers a fun, challenging and original experience. with a setting diesel or steampunk Spectacular with its own seal and a freshness and variety in the fights, which will make the hours pass without you realizing it. It’s not a perfect game, but thanks to a well-graded difficulty curve and its wide backtrackyou will see how FIST he tricks you and traps you in the ins and outs of Torch City. All this without you realizing it. Once you start, there’s no turning back, rabbit’s foot luck, because you won’t be able to escape FIST.